Note: This batch of wine reviews is not part of the bi-weekly Vintages Releases. Instead, it's a collection of wines outside the Vintages section in store (general list) or wines sent to me directly from wineries that may not yet be available in liquor stores. Click on the Winery or Wine Agency link to get more info.

Huff Estates Winery South Bay Merlot 2012, Prince Edward County, Ontario V.Q.A., Canada: Herbal and savoury with cedar notes and a firm tannic grip on the palate. Tart blackberry and plum. Pair with grilled meats. This wine is unfiltered and was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% was new. The grapes were picked at 22 brix. Drink: 2013 - 2018 13% XD 750 mL $29.95 Score: 87/100. May 2015. Full ReviewAdd to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Syrah Carignan 2011, Minervois, France: This wine is made in what is known as the Kingdom of Syrah, the wine region in southern France where the Syrah grape finds vibrant expression. The grapes grow close to the Black Mountains and there is a great diurnal difference between day and night temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius during the growing season to ripen the grapes and preserve freshness. Part of this blend is also the Carignan grape, which Gerard Bertrand says has vines that are hard to train like teenagers. This wine features black pepper and dark fruit on the nose and palate, with a gorgeous texture on the palate. It's mouth-coating, but not heavy. That's the difference between wine that has great concentration and depth of flavour versus one that is simply highly extracted (loads of colour, alcohol, fruit flavour and so on but not integrated). Pair with grilled meats. Drink: 2014 - 2018 894254002930 14.5% XD 750 mL $19.95 Score: 92/100. May 2015. Full ReviewAdd to Shopping Cart

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Grenache Syrah Carignan 2011, Tautavel, Roussillon, France: The grapes for this wine are planted near the villages of Tautavel in southern France, in a spoon-shaped valley that has a protected, warm climate for grape ripening. The Grenache grape leads in this blend. Grenache was originally planted widely in southern France because it ripened early and produced high alcohol for spirits. Modern winemakers have harnessed that phenolic ripeness in dry red wines with great concentration of flavour. This one is smooth and elegant, not extracted, and finishes with black fleshy fruit. Pair with a rare filet mignon. Drink: 2015 - 2019 894254002299 15% XD 750 mL $24.95 Score: 93/100. May 2015. Full ReviewAdd to Shopping Cart

Miguel Torres Las Mulas Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, Central Valley, Chile: A savoury, cedary briar-rich, red wine with full-bodied, mouth-filling goodness. Supple and smooth. The vineyards in which these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown are certified organic. This is an incredible great price for this quality. Pick up a case as a party wine (and don't forget to invite other people to join you). Pair also with hamburgers and meat lovers' pizza. Drink: 2014 - 2017 407494 13.5% D 750 mL $12.95 Score: 88/100. May 2015. Best Value Red Wine Full ReviewAdd to Shopping Cart